Light will burn brightly at St Catherine’s this Christmas in memory of Steve

A family will remember their dearly departed dad over the festive season by sponsoring a light within an annual memorial display at St Catherine’s Hospice.
Sisters Janet Murray and Pauline Bamber pledged a donation to the hospice in return for a bulb in the Light Up A Life display in memory of their father Vivien Stevens, known as Steve.

It will be one of hundreds burning brightly from the hospice grounds throughout December and across the festive period, creating an evocative tribute to loved ones who will be missing from the celebrations this year.
Mr Stevens, who had lived with emphysema for the previous 10 years, died at St Catherine’s Hospice in October. The 75-year-old from Walton-le-Dale had been transferred to the In-Patient Unit from Royal Preston Hospital when his condition deteriorated after suffering a stroke.
Janet, a teaching assistant from Walton-le-Dale, said being part of the Light Up A Life initiative would be a comfort for the family, which includes mum Barbara, as they face their first Christmas without him.
The 54-year-old said: “Losing our dad is still very recent and there’s days at the moment when we still can’t believe he’s no longer here.
“Christmas without him will be tough, but it feels comforting to know there will be a light burning brightly in his honour at the hospice over the festivities.
“Knowing he died here, and not in hospital, is another comfort to us all – and makes us want to keep coming back. That’s another reason why it feels so nice to be part of Light Up A Life and supporting St Catherine’s – a place of tranquillity and calm, full of so many caring people who made sure my Dad was as peaceful and comfortable as possible in his last few days. “

The hospice organises the display every Christmas as a way for people to remember loved ones who have died.
Tributes are welcome in honour of all – not just those who have had contact with St Catherine’s – as a way of celebrating their lives and the difference they made to others.
The bulbs will be lit on Tuesday December 4 following a short service of dedication, and the name of each person remembered in this way will be entered into a special book kept in the hospice chapel throughout the year.
Michelle Whalley, Trusts and Legacy Officer at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “Light Up A Life is one of the hospice’s best-loved and most meaningful events, attracting hundreds of local people year after year.
“The bulbs shine out brightly over Christmas and New Year and the sight is a fitting tribute to the warmth people brought into the lives of others.
“The event is open to all, not just those who have experienced hospice care, and provides an opportunity to be comforted, and share hope with others.”
Visitwww.stcatherines.co.uk/events/event/light-up-a-life/ to make your donation online, call Michelle on 01772 629171 or visit the hospice in Lostock Lane, Lostock Hall, Preston, PR5 5XU.
The event on December 4 is held from 5.30pm, with the dedication service at 6.30pm, followed by the lights switch-on at 6.45pm.

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